Vernon Becker

Vernon Karl Becker, a very loving husband, father, and grandfather, was born on May 18, 1929, to William Karl and Marie Margurita (Wolter) Becker in Hull, IA. He attended school in Pipestone and graduated from Hewitt High School in 1947. Vernon served honorably in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 to 1952.He returned home to his farm in 1953 due to his father’s death. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Betty Elaine Freitag on July 23, 1955, at Bartlett Township, MN. They started 55½ years together. They farmed before Vernon started driving trucks for Northern Co-op and Cenex for 31 years. He proudly accepted an award from Cenex for driving over 1 million miles, accident-free. During that time, he enjoyed competing in the Minnesota truck rodeo for three years. After Cenex closed, he drove Holiday Gas transport for two years, as well as taught truck driving at the Wadena Technical Institute and Northern Professional Driving School for two years. He finished his career driving school bus in Wadena for five years, getting to know the young children in the community. He was a member of the Knob Hill Sportsman’s Club and the American Legion. His hobbies and interests included wood working, fishing, hunting, and time spent with his family. An important part of Vernon’s life was his service at St. John Lutheran Church, serving as an Elder, Trustee, and Sunday collection counter. Once he retired, Vernon spent the majority of his time catching up with old friends over coffee. Although he was passionate about his work, on the farm and on the road, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his wife, children, and grandsons. He valued the simple joys in life, sitting on his back porch, enjoying his world around him with the people he cherished most. Vernon passed away, unexpectedly, at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN, with family at his side, on January 6, 2011, at the age of 81 years. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents William and Marie; son Tim; grandson Nathan Johnson; and brother Harold. He is survived by his wife Betty of Wadena; daughter Colleen (Butch) Johnson of Wadena; grandson Matt; brothers Erwin (Peg) of Livingston, MT; Lawrence (Irene) of Hot Springs, SD, and Lloyd (Carole) of Lake Isabella, CA; and sister Loretta Peterson of Verndale. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on January 11, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Stephen Meltzer officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Marine Honor Guard. Pallbearers were Bruce Becker, Gary Peterson, Don Benrud, David Tuil, Joe Steflug, Ron Piepkorn, Don Stemson, Lloyd Schwartz, Lloyd Kallevig, and John Herr. Interment was in Wadena Cemetery.

Vernon Becker

May 18, 1929 - January 6, 2011